Brenda Blethyn has left viewers concerned for the fate of DCI Vera Stanhope after eagle-eyed viewers "worked out" the fatal ending for the detective.
Vera has been a staple series on ITV for 13 years and fans of the crime drama only have two more episodes left to watch before it all comes to an end.
In a heartfelt statement last week, Blethyn confirmed: "Working on Vera has been a joy from beginning to end and I’m sad to be saying cheerio. But I am so proud of our achievements over the last fourteen years.
"I’ll be forever grateful to the wonderful Ann Cleeves who created Vera, and to Elaine Collins who saw fit to cast me in the role. The producers, dream cast and crew have been fabulous and I’m going to miss them.
"But I won’t forget their huge talent, the camaraderie, laughter or kindness we shared nor the friendship of the people of the northeast and our fans worldwide."
The final two episodes will see Vera work with her team - including DI Joe Ashworth (played by David Leon) - to solve her last two murders before it all comes to an end.
Brenda Blethyn was spotted filming in Blyth
TIKTOK/@Liam_Lav
After the news of her exit, viewers began to theorise that Vera could be killed off during the last episode after photos emerged of the star filming up north.
One social media viewer watched the show being filmed and repeatedly tried to get Blethyn's attention - later admitting that they had been shouting at a stunt double who was dressed in Vera's famous coat and had.
They theorised that the presence of a stunt double could mean that Vera dies in the last two episodes - well and truly bringing the show to an end.
Whilst some are concerned for the fate of Vera, some are hopeful that it may return one day as a spin-off series or even a prequel.
Brenda Blethyn released a lengthy statement regarding her departure as Vera Stanhope
ITV
Sharing their thoughts on X, one fan wrote: "Maybe there'll be a spin-off series with Joe or Aiden leading the team.
"They are filming two more episodes this summer, so perhaps Vera retires and Joe takes over?" a second one penned.
A third wrote: "Joe's the man for the job," before another expressed: "I would love a spin-off." (sic)
It seems that their wish could come true as BestAnonymousCasino.com recently told GB News that the spin-off stands at an odds-on price of 1/4 to come to fruition.
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Vera will soon come to an end after 13 seasons
ITV
In contrast, however, Blethyn is an outside 4/1 shot to ever reprise the role of DCI Stanhope again.
Sarah Lancashire, who's already been tipped by fans to land a leading role in the future of Vera, is priced as a 6/4 favourite to lead any spin-off.
The Happy Valley star faces competition, however, from the likes of Diane Morgan and Suranne Jones who are priced at 5/1 and 7/1, respectively.
